Delta State hosts reception for Cast of Blues exhibit

Artist Sharon McConnell (at left) and Dr. Luther Brown, Delta State Associate Dean for Delta Regional Development and Director of Delta Center for Culture and Learning, receive applause from an audience gathered in the lobby of Ewing Hall at Delta State University following the dedication of McConnell’s sculptures.

McConnell’s collection of more than 50 life mask of bluesmen, cast directly from the face of the living person, was donated by the artist to Delta State University. McConnell worked on the collection of life mask of blues musicians for about 8 years. The collected works of McConnell have been entitled “Cast of Blues.”

Music for the reception, held March 1, was provided by “Blind Mississippi” Morris, whose face is included in the collection. The exhibit was designed by Delta State University Archivist Emily Weaver and will remain as a permanent display in Ewing Hall.

For more information on the exhibit and other events during the Year of Delta Heritage, call the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at (662) 846-4311.